Optical device and method for predicting and mitigating hydrate formation using an integrated computation

ABSTRACT

An optical computing device and method utilizing an Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) to predict and/or mitigate hydrate formation. Fluid is allowed to flow through a first conduit. A sample fluid is separated from the fluid flowing through the first conduit. The sample fluid is allowed to flow through a second conduit. At least one property of the sample fluid corresponding to hydrate formation is detected using at least one Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) computing device positioned along a tubular. A determination is made as to whether the detected at least one property is adequate for hydrate formation.

The present application is a U.S. National Stage patent application ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/071745, filed on Dec.27, 2012, the benefit of which is claimed and the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to optical systems and, morespecifically, to an optical computing device that utilizes an IntegratedComputational Element (“ICE”) to predict and mitigate the formation ofhydrates in hydrocarbon environments.

BACKGROUND

Gas hydrates are crystallized water-based solids which naturally occurin a variety of environments, such as the vicinity of hydrocarbonformations. One such example is methane gas, which exists in subseaformations as methane hydrate, a crystallized methane deposit primarilylocated in vast amounts at shallow depths beneath the ocean floor.Hydrate formation requires a specific set of components and conditions:light hydrocarbons in the C1 to C3 range, water, low temperature, andhigh pressure. If the conditions are right, the water phase can interactwith the gas to form a clatharate structure which is almost ice like inconsistency.

However, hydrates can prove quite problematic during offshore drilling,exploratory, and production operations. For example, hydrate formationcan lead to significant blockage of crucial flow paths with all theattendant safety and productivity issues. This is especially relevant insub-sea systems such as, for example, a sub-sea safety tree which tendsto be located right at the sea bed where conditions are ideal forhydrate formation. In addition, during downhole operations, methanehydrates may undergo sublimation, whereby the methane is released as gasout into the atmosphere. Therefore, some method by which hydrateformation could be predicted would be quite useful to the industry.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a minimally invasive opticalcomputing device utilizing ICE structures that allows for constantmonitoring of the environment, especially the gas composition, so that areal time understanding of the potential for hydrate formation isavailable, and appropriate mitigation efforts might be undertaken.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system having an ICEcomputing device positioned therein according to certain exemplaryembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagrammatical illustration of an ICE computing deviceutilized to predict and/or mitigate hydrate formation according tocertain exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagrammatical illustration of the fluid flow throughan ICE computing device according to certain exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments and related methodologies of the presentinvention are described below as they might be employed in an opticalcomputing device utilizing one or more ICE structures to predict andmitigate the formation of hydrates in hydrocarbon environments. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation ormethodology are described in this specification. It will of course beappreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment,numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure. Further aspects and advantages of the variousembodiments and related methodologies of the invention will becomeapparent from consideration of the following description and drawings.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ICEcomputing device utilized to predict and/or mitigate the formation ofhydrates along conduits comprising hydrocarbon fluid flow. As describedherein, the present invention utilizes one or more ICE structures tomonitor fluid flow through a conduit in real-time to determine thepotential for hydrate formation. If the computations generated by theICE computing device indicate that the measured fluid composition andoperating parameters are adequate for hydrate formation, then one ormore mitigation techniques may be employed. Such mitigation techniquesmay include, for example, manual or automatic injection of hydrateinhibiting chemicals into the conduit or adjustment of physicalparameters to shift the hydrate envelope out of the active zone.Accordingly, hydrate formation may be predicted and mitigated to avoidcostly remedial hydrate-related operations.

The exemplary ICE computing devices described herein utilize one or moreICE structures, also known as a Multivariate Optical Elements (“MOE”),to achieve the objectives of the present invention. An ICE computingdevice is a device configured to receive an input of electromagneticradiation from a substance or sample of the substance and produce anoutput of electromagnetic radiation from a processing element.Fundamentally, ICE computing devices utilize ICE structures to performcalculations, as opposed to the hardwired circuits of conventionalelectronic processors. When electromagnetic radiation interacts with asubstance, unique physical and chemical information about the substanceis encoded in the electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from,transmitted through, or radiated from the sample. This information isoften referred to as the substance's spectral “fingerprint.” Thus, theICE computing device, through use of the ICE structure, is capable ofextracting the information of the spectral fingerprint of multiplecharacteristics/properties or analytes within a substance and convertingthat information into a detectable output regarding the overallproperties of a sample. The design and operation of ICE structures aredescribed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,198,531; 6,529,276;7,697,141; and 8,049,881, each being owned by the Assignee of thepresent invention, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., of Houston, Tex.,the disclosure of each being hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIG. 1 illustrates two exemplary applications in which the presentinvention may be utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 1, one or moreexemplary embodiments of ICE computing device 100 may be positioned at avariety of locations within a well system 10. An exemplary well system10 comprises a wellbore 12 extending from a surface 14 of a hydrocarbonbearing formation, and may be cased or uncased. Although wellbore 12 isillustrated as vertical, it may also be deviated or horizontal. A subseablow-out preventer (“BOP”) 20 is positioned atop wellbore 12, while asubsea safety system 22 is coupled to a workstring 16 extending from thesurface, as understood in the art.

As shown, in certain embodiments, ICE computing device 100 may bepositioned along any conduit such as, for example, along workstring 16and/or at surface 14 along a pipeline 18. Pipeline 18 may be a varietyof pipes such as, for example, a processing or transportation pipeline,and may comprise fluid from one or more wells, etc. Moreover, workstring16 may also be a variety of strings such as, for example, a production,testing, or injection string. Those ordinarily skilled in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure will realize ICE computing device 100 maybe utilized in a variety of applications, even non-oilfield relatedapplications.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of ICE computing device 100 accordingto certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 2, an electromagnetic radiation source 108 may be configured toemit or otherwise generate electromagnetic radiation 110. As understoodin the art, electromagnetic radiation source 108 may be any devicecapable of emitting or generating electromagnetic radiation. Forexample, electromagnetic radiation source 108 may be a light bulb, lightemitting device, laser, blackbody, photonic crystal, or X-Ray source,etc. In one embodiment, electromagnetic radiation 110 may be configuredto optically interact with the sample 106 and generate sample-interactedlight 112 directed to a first ICE 102.

While FIG. 2 shows electromagnetic radiation 110 as passing through themultiphase fluid sample 106 to produce sample-interacted light 112, itis also contemplated herein to reflect electromagnetic radiation 110 offof multiphase fluid sample 106, such as in the case of a multiphasefluid sample 106 that is translucent, opaque, or solid, and equallygenerate the sample-interacted light 112.

Sample 106 may be any fluid, solid substance or material such as, forexample, rock formations, concrete, other solid surfaces, etc. In thisspecific embodiment, however, sample 106 is a multiphase fluid(comprising oil, gas, water, solids, for example) consisting of avariety of fluid properties such as, for example, C1-C4 and higherhydrocarbons, groupings of such elements, and saline water. Moreover, asdefined herein, the term “property” means a chemical or physicalcharacteristic or element contained in the multiphase fluid or whichforms the multiphase fluid and which includes, but is not limited toSARA (saturates, asphaltene, resins, aromatics), solid particulatecontent such as dirt, mud, scale, sand, and similar contaminants, water,H2O ion-composition and content, saturation level, mass readings,hydrocarbon composition and content, gas composition and content, CO2,H2S and correlated PVT properties including GOR (gas-oil ratio), bubblepoint, density, a formation factor and viscosity among other properties.Furthermore, the term “property” as used herein includes calculated dataand information, such as, for example, quantities, concentrations,relative proportions and fractions of measured elements and otherproperties, mass, volume, mass and volume flow rate, etc. of themultiphase fluid and its constituents. In addition, the properties maybe measured indirectly, through measuring an indicator constituent(explained further below).

After being illuminated with electromagnetic radiation 110, multiphasefluid sample 106 containing an analyte of interest (a property of thesample, for example) produces an output of electromagnetic radiation(sample-interacted light 112, for example). Although not specificallyshown, one or more spectral elements may be employed in ICE computingdevice 100 in order to restrict the optical wavelengths and/orbandwidths of the system and, thereby, eliminate unwantedelectromagnetic radiation existing in wavelength regions that have noimportance. As will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure, such spectral elements can belocated anywhere along the optical train, but are typically employeddirectly after the light source which provides the initialelectromagnetic radiation. Various configurations and applications ofspectral elements in optical computing devices may also be found incommonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,198,531; 6,529,276; and 8,049,881, aspreviously mentioned herein.

Still referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, ICE computingdevice 100 includes first ICE 102 a, second ICE 102 b and additional ICE102 n, each configured to determine one property of multiphase fluidsample 106. In this embodiment, the properties determined include thepresence and quantity of specific inorganic gases such as, for example,CO₂ and H₂S, organic gases such as methane (C1), ethane (C2) and propane(C3) and saline water. In certain embodiments, a single ICE may detect asingle property, while in others a single ICE may determine multipleproperties, as will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In the embodiment specifically depicted, the first ICE 102 a is arrangedto receive the sample-interacted light 112 from the sample 106. FirstICE 102 a is configured to transmit a first optically interacted light104 a to the first detector 116 a and simultaneously convey reflectedoptically interacted light 105 toward the second ICE 102 b. The secondICE 102 b is configured to convey a second optically interacted light104 b via reflection toward the second detector 116 b, andsimultaneously transmit additional optically interacted light 108 towardthe additional ICE 102 n. The additional ICE 102 n is configured toconvey an additional optically interacted light 104 n via reflectiontoward the additional detector 116 n.

Those ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure will readily recognize numerous alternative configurations ofthe first, second, and additional ICE 102 a-n, without departing fromthe scope of the disclosure. For example, reflection of opticallyinteracted light from a particular ICE may be replaced with transmissionof optically interacted light, or alternatively configurations mayinclude the use of mirrors or beam splitters configured to direct theelectromagnetic radiation 110 (or sample-interacted light 112) to eachof the first, second, and additional ICE 102 a-n.

In certain exemplary embodiments, first, second, and additionaldetectors 116 a-n may be configured to detect the first, second, andadditional optically interacted light 104 a-n, respectively, and therebygenerate a first signal 106 a, a second signal 106 b, and one or moreadditional signals 106 n, respectively. In some embodiments, the first,second, and additional signals 106 a-n may be received by a local signalprocessor 118 communicably coupled to each detector 116 a-n andconfigured to computationally combine the first, second, and additionalsignals 106 a-n in order to determine the property of the multiphasefluid sample 106. Although illustrated as part of ICE computing device100, signal processor 118 may be located remotely and, in suchembodiments, signals 106 a-n may be transmitted using wired or wirelessmethodologies, as understood in the art.

Accordingly, any number of ICE may be arranged or otherwise used inseries in order to determine the desired property of the multiphasefluid sample 106 that can be used to determine if conditions exists toform hydrates. In some embodiments, each of the first, second, andadditional ICE 102 a-n may be specially-designed to detect theparticular property of interest or otherwise be configured to beassociated therewith. In other embodiments, however, one or more of thefirst, second, and additional ICE 102 a-n may be configured to bedisassociated with the particular property of interest, and/or otherwisemay be associated with an entirely different property of the multiphasefluid sample 106. In yet other embodiments, each of the first, second,and additional ICE 102 a-n may be configured to be disassociated withthe particular property of interest, and otherwise may be associatedwith an entirely different property of the multiphase fluid sample 106.Moreover, although not shown, ICE computing device 100 also comprisesthe necessary components to produce the pressure and temperaturemeasurements, or operating conditions, associated with multiphase fluidsample 106 necessary to determine operating conditions, as will beunderstood by those ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

Accordingly, through use of exemplary embodiments of ICE computing 100,the amount and composition of the gas phase and water phase ofmultiphase fluid sample 106 may be constantly monitored for propertiesand operating conditions adequate to form hydrates. Once signals 106 a-nare output by detectors 116 a-n, signals 106 a-n may then be processedby signal processor 118 to define the hydrate envelope for theparticular measured set of operating conditions. As understood in theart, the hydrate envelope is the range of operating conditions(pressure, temperatures, gas composition, etc.) under which hydrates canform. To calculate the hydrate envelope, there are a variety of softwareplatforms which may be embodied within and executed by signal processor118 such as, for example, PVTSim™ or similar platforms, as will beunderstood by those ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

Once signal processor 118 defines the hydrate envelope, it thendetermines whether the Equation of State (“EOS”) computations indicatethat the measured properties of multiphase fluid sample 106 (i.e.,signals 106 a-n) and associated operating parameters (compositions,pressures and temperature measurements, for example) are adequate forhydrate formation. If the determination is yes, signal processor 118 mayoutput a signal (alert signal, for example) indicating that correctiveaction is necessary. Such corrective action may include, for example,manual or automatic injection of hydrate inhibiting chemicals oradjusting physical parameters such as, for example, temperature andpressure, to shift the hydrate envelope out of the active zone.

In certain other exemplary embodiments, ICE computing device 100 maycontinuously monitor changing downhole conditions to determine trends.In such embodiments, even though a specific set of readings does notindicate a potential for hydrate formation, if a trend implies thatanticipated changes could lead to hydrate formation, signal processor118 may output a signal to initiate correction action before hydrateformation becomes an issue.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary flow diagram for analyzingmultiphase fluid flow using ICE computing device 100, according to oneor more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. An exemplaryhydrate prediction and mitigation module 300 has been attached to aprimary conduit (tubular, for example) 302 through which a primarystream 304 of multiphase fluid F is flowing. Hydrate prediction andmitigation module 300 comprises a housing 306 which may be, for example,a stainless steel, temperature and pressure resistant body. In addition,housing 306 may be magnetic so that it is readily attached and detachedfrom the primary conduit 302. However, those ordinarily skilled in theart having the benefit of this disclosure realize housing 306 may beattached in a variety of other ways.

To analyze the multiphase fluid F, a sample multiphase fluid stream 308is extracted from the primary stream 304 and subjected to at least oneICE computing device 100 via an inflow conduit 309. In this exemplaryembodiment, ICE computing device 100 comprises a plurality of computingdevices 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 n. Collection of the sample stream 308is performed by a sample collection assembly 310 such as, for example, astatic probe, impulse actuated sampler, flow-controlled ortime-controlled sampler, impeller type samplers, permanent or removableprobes, etc. Nevertheless, sample collection assembly 310 provides acontinuous flow of a sample stream across the ICE computing device 100for continuous analysis (Understandable, the sample fluid flow may bestopped when readings are not desired.). In other embodiments, a vortexmixer and a travelling probe, such as those used during iso-kineticsampling, may also be utilized. Accordingly, those ordinarily skilled inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure realize there are avariety of sample collection assemblies with may be utilized. Hydrateprediction and mitigation module 300 may also include control valves,such as valve 312, for controlling fluid flow through the variousconduits, such as conduit 314.

Furthermore, in certain exemplary embodiments, hydrate prediction andmitigation module 300 will employ various other fluid property measuringdevices, such as a differential pressure fluid meter 316, fluid flowrate (volumetric and/or mass) meter 318, and various pressure sensors320 and temperature sensors 322, etc. In certain embodiments, thesemeters and sensors will be utilized to determine the pressures andtemperatures of primary stream 304 inside primary conduit 302, as thisis where hydrate formation is most likely to occur. However, it is alsoenvisioned that such readings may also be taken of sample multiphasefluid stream 308. Nevertheless, hydrate prediction and mitigation module300 also includes a plurality of communication devices for transmittingdata, such as wiring 324, wireless devices, etc., as are known in theart. The various data from the sensors, valves, flow meters, and ICEcomputing devices 100 a-n are transmitted to a processor 326. In certainembodiments, processor 326 and ICE computing devices 100 a-n are locateda single housing 130, while in other embodiments processor 326 islocated remotely from the remainder of ICE computing devices 100 a-n.

Hydrate prediction and mitigation module 300 may also include a returnconduit 328 for returning sample multiphase fluid stream 308 to primarystream 304. In other embodiments, however, sample multiphase fluidstream 308 may be otherwise disposed of. Moreover, although not shown,hydrate prediction and mitigation module 300 can include fluid flowequipment as known in the art, such as, for example, a pump,compressors, turbulence generators, holding tanks and various valving,such as one-way valves, manual valves, emergency shut-off valves, etc.

Still referring to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, eachICE computing device 100 a-n detects and quantifies a targetconstituent, or property, of the multiphase fluid flow F in the samplemultiphase fluid stream 308. As described previously, the properties tobe detected can be the presence and quantities of constituents of samplemultiphase fluid stream 308, such as, for example, organic C1-C3 gases,as well as organic liquids, such as, for example, water phases andsaturation. In addition, pressure sensors 320 and temperature sensors322 are utilized to detect the operating conditions existing withinprimary conduit 302. Thereafter, as previously described, the datarelated to multiphase fluid properties and the operating conditions arethen transmitted to processor 326, which defines the hydrate envelopeaccordingly to determine whether the properties and conditions withinprimary conduit 302 are adequate to form hydrates. If such conditionsexist, alert signals and/or mitigation operations may be transmitted andconducted accordingly.

The exemplary embodiments described herein provide a number ofadvantages. For example, the present invention provides a minimallyintrusive device and method allowing continuous monitoring of theenvironment and gas composition, so that a real-time understanding ofthe potential for hydrate formation is realized. In addition, such anefficient and real-time understanding of the fluids and environmentalconditions allows for the application of appropriate mitigationtechniques, thus providing considerable commercial and competitiveadvantages.

An exemplary methodology of the present invention provides an opticalcomputing method to predict hydrate formation, the method comprisingallowing fluid to flow through a first conduit; separating a samplefluid from the fluid flowing through the first conduit; allowing thesample fluid to flow through a second conduit; detecting at least oneproperty of the sample fluid corresponding to hydrate formation using atleast one ICE computing device positioned along the second tubular; anddetermining whether the detected at least one property is adequate forhydrate formation. In another method, the at least one property of thesample fluid comprises at least one of a C1 hydrocarbon, C2 hydrocarbon,C3 hydrocarbon, C4 hydrocarbon or water. In another, the at least oneproperty of the sample fluid further comprises at least one of apressure within the first conduit or a temperature of the first conduit.

Yet another method further comprises generating an alert signal when itis determined the detected at least one property is adequate for hydrateformation. Another further comprises performing at least one mitigationtechnique when it is determined the detected at least one property isadequate for hydrate formation. In yet another, the first tubular ispart of a pipeline or wellbore tubular.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an opticalcomputing device to predict hydrate formation comprising anelectromagnetic radiation source that optically interacts with a samplefluid to produce sample-interacted light; an ICE that opticallyinteracts with the sample-interacted light to generate opticallyinteracted light that corresponds to at least one property of the samplefluid relating to hydrate formation; and a detector positioned toreceive the optically interacted light and thereby generate a signalcorresponding to the at least one property relating to hydrateformation, the signal being utilized to determine whether the at leastone property is adequate for hydrate formation. In another, the devicefurther comprises a signal processor communicably coupled to thedetector to determine whether the at least one property is adequate forhydrate formation. In another, at least one property of the sample fluidcomprises at least one of a C1 hydrocarbon, C2 hydrocarbon, C3hydrocarbon, C4 hydrocarbon or water.

In another, the at least one property of the sample fluid furthercomprises at least one of a pressure within the first conduit or atemperature of the first conduit. In yet another, the signal processoris configured to generate an alert signal when it is determined the atleast one property is adequate for hydrate formation. In another, theoptical computing device is positioned along a primary conduit, theoptical computing device further comprising an inflow conduit extendinginto the primary conduit to separate the fluid sample from a primaryfluid stream and communicate the fluid sample to the ICE; and a returnconduit to return the fluid sample back to the primary conduit. In yetanother, the primary conduit is a pipeline or wellbore tubular.

Yet another exemplary methodology of the present invention provides anoptical computing method to predict hydrate formation, the methodcomprising receiving a sample fluid into an ICE computing device;detecting at least one property of the sample fluid corresponding tohydrate formation using the ICE computing device; and determiningwhether the detected at least one property is adequate for hydrateformation. In another, the at least one property of the sample fluidcomprises at least one of a C1 hydrocarbon, C2 hydrocarbon, C3hydrocarbon, C4 hydrocarbon or water. In yet another, the at least oneproperty of the sample fluid further comprises at least one of apressure or temperature reading. In another, the method furthercomprises generating an alert signal when it is determined the detectedat least one property is adequate for hydrate formation.

Another further comprises performing at least one mitigation techniquewhen it is determined the detected at least one property is adequate forhydrate formation. In yet another, the ICE computing device ispositioned along a pipeline or wellbore tubular. In another, determiningwhether the detected at least one property is adequate for hydrateformation further comprises continuously monitoring the detected atleast one property; determining one or more trends based upon thedetected at least one property; and utilizing the one or more trends todetermine whether hydrate formation will occur.

Although various embodiments and methodologies have been shown anddescribed, the invention is not limited to such embodiments andmethodologies and will be understood to include all modifications andvariations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, itshould be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited tothe particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical computing method to predict hydrateformation, the method comprising: allowing fluid to flow through a firstconduit; separating a sample fluid from the fluid flowing through thefirst conduit; allowing the sample fluid to flow through a secondconduit; detecting at least one property of the sample fluidcorresponding to hydrate formation using at least one IntegratedComputational Element (“ICE”) computing device positioned along thesecond conduit; determining whether the detected at least one propertyis adequate for hydrate formation; and performing at least onemitigation technique when it is determined that the detected at leastone property is adequate for hydrate formation.
 2. A method as definedin claim 1, wherein the at least one property of the sample fluidcomprises at least one of a C1 hydrocarbon, C2 hydrocarbon, C3hydrocarbon, C4 hydrocarbon or water.
 3. A method as defined in claim 2,wherein the at least one property of the sample fluid further comprisesat least one of a pressure within the first conduit or a temperature ofthe first conduit.
 4. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprisinggenerating an alert signal when it is determined the detected at leastone property is adequate for hydrate formation.
 5. A method as definedin claim 1, wherein performing the at least one mitigation techniqueincludes at least one of adjusting physical parameters of the fluid orinjecting hydrate inhibiting chemicals into the first conduit when it isdetermined the detected at least one property is adequate for hydrateformation.
 6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the first conduitis part of a pipeline or wellbore tubular.
 7. An optical computingdevice to predict hydrate formation, comprising: an electromagneticradiation source that optically interacts with a sample fluid to producesample-interacted light; an Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”)that optically interacts with the sample-interacted light to generateoptically interacted light that corresponds to at least one property ofthe sample fluid relating to hydrate formation; and a detectorpositioned to receive the optically interacted light and therebygenerate a signal corresponding to the at least one property relating tohydrate formation, the signal being utilized to determine whether the atleast one property is adequate for hydrate formation.
 8. An opticalcomputing device as defined in claim 7, further comprising a signalprocessor communicably coupled to the detector to determine whether theat least one property is adequate for hydrate formation.
 9. An opticalcomputing device as defined in claim 7, wherein the at least oneproperty of the sample fluid comprises at least one of a C1 hydrocarbon,C2 hydrocarbon, C3 hydrocarbon, C4 hydrocarbon or water.
 10. An opticalcomputing device as defined in claim 9, wherein the at least oneproperty of the sample fluid further comprises at least one of apressure within the first conduit or a temperature of the first conduit.11. An optical computing device as defined in claim 8, wherein thesignal processor is configured to generate an alert signal when it isdetermined the at least one property is adequate for hydrate formation.12. An optical computing device as defined in claim 7, wherein theoptical computing device is positioned along a primary conduit, theoptical computing device further comprising: an inflow conduit extendinginto the primary conduit to separate the fluid sample from a primaryfluid stream and communicate the fluid sample to the ICE; and a returnconduit to return the fluid sample back to the primary conduit.
 13. Anoptical computing device as defined in claim 12, wherein the primaryconduit is a pipeline or wellbore tubular.
 14. An optical computingmethod to predict hydrate formation, the method comprising: receiving asample fluid into an Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) computingdevice; detecting at least one property of the sample fluidcorresponding to hydrate formation using the ICE computing device;determining whether the detected at least one property is adequate forhydrate formation; and performing at least one mitigation technique whenit is determined the detected at least one property is adequate forhydrate formation.
 15. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein the atleast one property of the sample fluid comprises at least one of a C1hydrocarbon, C2 hydrocarbon, C3 hydrocarbon, C4 hydrocarbon or water.16. A method as defined in claim 15, wherein the at least one propertyof the sample fluid further comprises at least one of a pressure ortemperature reading.
 17. A method as defined in claim 14, furthercomprising generating an alert signal when it is determined the detectedat least one property is adequate for hydrate formation.
 18. A method asdefined in claim 14, wherein performing the at least one mitigationtechnique includes at least one of adjusting physical parameters of thefluid or injecting hydrate inhibiting chemicals into the first conduitwhen it is determined the detected at least one property is adequate forhydrate formation.
 19. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein the ICEcomputing device is positioned along a pipeline or wellbore tubular. 20.A method as defined in claim 14, wherein determining whether thedetected at least one property is adequate for hydrate formation furthercomprises: continuously monitoring the detected at least one property;determining one or more trends based upon the detected at least oneproperty; and utilizing the one or more trends to determine whetherhydrate formation will occur.